WASHINGTON — Despite heavy lobbying from the White House and painstaking negotiations between some Republicans and Democrats, a pivotal amendment to expand background checks for gun purchases failed in the U.S. Senate Thursday.

“Although I voted against this version of an assault weapons ban, I voted earlier today for strengthened background-check legislation,” said Udall, in a statement. “And I will vote for legislation that bans high-capacity magazines, because that more focused policy — similar to what passed in Colorado at the state level — achieves many of the same goals without unnecessarily infringing on Coloradans’ Second Amendment rights.”

Bennet, also in a statement, said that in Colorado “we support the Second Amendment.”

“We have also experienced two of the most tragic instances of gun violence in our country’s history,” he said. “The debate is not about challenging the rights of responsible gun owners, it is about keeping the wrong weapons out of the hands of the wrong people.”

The universal background checks amendment failed 54 to 46 and held the biggest promise in passing in light of the shootings at a Connecticut elementary school and at an Aurora movie theater last summer. The measure was a bipartisan compromise struck between Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and GOP Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania after weeks of negotiations between both sides.

The bill probably would have failed in the GOP-controlled House anyway. President Barack Obama angrily spoke against the minority of the Senate that voted against the measure.

“Families that know unspeakable grief summoned the courage to petition their elected leaders –- not just to honor the memory of their children, but to protect the lives of all our children. And a few minutes ago, a minority in the United States Senate decided it wasn’t worth it,” he said, in an evening press conference.

I am so disappointed and embarrassed that both of Colorado’s U.S. Senators voted against this bill. After the horrible massacres that have taken place in our state, I wouldn’t have imagined that two of the four Democrats who voted no would be Coloradoans. What a letdown.

Black Republican

Did both senators disappoint you when they irresponsibly voted for the Affordable Care Act and the Stimulus Bill BEFORE reading either of them ?

MJ

Here Here BR. Sorry Judy, what else did they do that embarrass you, vote for NDAA, vote for Marketplace Fairness Act (WAL-Mart Tax), CISPA? What else did you get embarrassed by as they are voting away your rights?

Rob Terrill

I am so disappointed and embarrassed that both of Colorado’s U.S. Senators voted for a governmental registry of my personal property. This concerns me. What a letdown.

Explorer08

Don’t you have to register your car? I even have to get permit for a second rod on my fishing license. Come to think of it my house has to be registered with the county.

M L

Colorado political dynamic has changed from freedom loving western libertarian to socialist. Almost half of our elected politicians are out of staters including Hickenlooper-PA, and Ferradino-NY. They have dishonored and disrespected our proud libertarian heritage, infringing on our freedoms that do not fit their political agendas. Neighboring states of Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas honor and protect their western heritage both in their state houses and Washington DC. Colorado’s two senators are merely partisan peon servitudes to the imperial presidency with total disregards to Coloradoans. I sure hope we’ve learned our lesson and correct our mistakes in 2014 election

Explorer08

Now really…..if Colorado was actually a socialist state then all businesses would be owned and run by the state government. I suggest that right-wing extremists come up with a better pejorative than “socialist.” It just doesn’t ring true.

MJ

The Socialist haven’t had time yet to nationlise the business yet, but with Magpul gone, they are going to have to start to keep jobs coming to Colorado.

Modeh Ani

Gun laws are controlled by the state not the federal government. Colorado is a purple state with a foot on both sides. Keep this at the state level. I hope the health debate moves to the state level as well. I prefer Colorado control to Washington D.C. control.

Migrant

If the people of Nazi Germany had not been dis-armed, their out of control government could never have killed so many Catholics, Protestants, educators, intelligentsia, gays, Gypsies and Jews.

http://www.facebook.com/joe.burns.733450 Dogownershub Viet Vet

What a dishonor to our constitution to vote yes.
Already have background checks etc. You need gun free
Zones abolished,mental health programs gone to hell.
Such a shame using a tragedy for your personal
agenda and would do nothing to solve the problem

http://www.facebook.com/eric.fletcher.92 Eric Fletcher

these guys are gone. I’m happy they voted no on the gun ban but if it’s worded differently they will jump on it. Let’s take our state back from these socialists!

Valorie Olsen

I’m surprised and saddened that both Senators voted against the assault weapons ban. Looks to me like eyes on the next election. They know that the ban leaves ranchers and sportsmen and women with all the fire power they need.

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.